Mumbai 3 Day Itinerary

Mumbai in 3 Days: A Tourist’s Guide

This itinerary focuses on popular tourist attractions and assumes you have a full 3 days to explore. It can be customized based on your interests!

Day 1: South Mumbai Heritage & History

  • Morning: Start with a glimpse into the colonial past of Mumbai at the Gateway of India. This iconic monument is a must-see and offers stunning views of the harbor.

  • Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSM), a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture.

    • Food: Indulge in a delicious lunch at Leopold Cafe, a historic cafe known for its European cuisine and charm. For dinner, try the authentic flavors at Gajalee Restaurant with their famous seafood dishes.

  • Evening: Enjoy a walk along the Marine Drive, also known as the “Queen’s Necklace” for its glittering lights against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

    • Food: Savor a traditional Maharashtrian meal at Mavlankar’s Masala House while taking in the beautiful sunset views.

Things to know:

  • The Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (CSM) Terminus are both located in South Mumbai.
  • Be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially if you’re visiting during the monsoon season.
  • Traffic in Mumbai can be chaotic, so consider using public transportation or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola.

3 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Exploring Colonial History & Architecture

  • Morning: Arrive in Mumbai ( Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport). Take a pre-paid taxi to your hotel in South Mumbai.
  • Afternoon: Settle into your hotel, then take a walk along the Gateway of India, a historical landmark that symbolizes the city’s colonial past. Afterwards, head to CSM

Where to stay:

  • Budget: Backpacker hostels like The Hosteller or Zostel offer affordable dorm rooms and private rooms for a variety of travelers.

  • Mid-range: Hotels like Hotel Harbour View and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai are known for their comfort, amenities, and central location.

  • Luxury: For an unforgettable stay in the heart of Mumbai’s history, consider the Oberoi Mumbai or the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai with its breathtaking views of the city and Arabian Sea.

Things to do (besides eating!):

  • Visit the Gateway of India: A popular tourist spot, especially at sunset, when it’s bathed in golden light.
  • Experience the iconic Elephanta Caves: Take a ferry to the island and explore these ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Enjoy the vibrant street life of Mumbai: Stroll through Colaba Causeway for shopping and people-watching.

Where to eat:

  • Bombay Canteen: This restaurant offers innovative Indian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and regional dishes.
  • Leopold Cafe: A legendary cafe in Colaba, known for its history and the fact that it was one of the sites of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Things to know:

  • Mumbai is hot and humid. Be prepared with lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
  • Traffic can be a nightmare in Mumbai, so plan your transportation accordingly.
  • Mumbai is a safe city for tourists, but it’s always best to exercise caution, especially when traveling alone at night.

Other places to eat:

  • Theobroma: A popular bakery chain with delicious pastries and cakes.

  • Britannia & Co. (at the end of the day, you can add a “staying in Mumbai” section to your itinerary)

  • Street food stalls along Marine Drive: Enjoy freshly made chai and other local delicacies while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Things to see:

  • Explore Colaba Causeway: This bustling street is a great place to find souvenirs, clothing, and unique gifts at affordable prices.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Visit the Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park for a glimpse of ancient Buddhist history (the caves are located near Borivali).
  • Afternoon: Wander through the stalls at Colaba Causeway Market, where you can find everything from jewelry and spices to textiles and handicrafts.

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Bawa: A budget-friendly option with a view of the city.

  • The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: For a luxurious stay in a historic setting.

  • A hotel near a beach or park: Consider Juhu Beach, Marine Drive or Chowpatty Beach.

Where to eat:

  • Street food stalls near the Gateway of India: Enjoy the local flavor and experience the bustling atmosphere, with vendors offering traditional snacks like vada pav and pav bhaji.

  • Leopold Cafe, for a taste of history and good food:

    • Try their famous “Bombay Canteen” breakfast. It’s a hearty meal of Indian delicacies, perfect after a morning exploring the city.

Where to eat:

  • Badshah Falooda: Indulge in a refreshing glass of falooda, a traditional dessert drink with noodles and ice cream.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Mumbai

  • Experience the hustle and bustle of Colaba Market and explore the various stalls selling unique goods.

  • Shopping:

    • Colaba Causeway: A haven for bargain hunters, with vendors selling everything from clothes and accessories to spices and electronics.

  • Markets & Shopping:

    • Colaba Causeway Market: This is a great place to experience the local culture and find some amazing deals on all sorts of things.

  • Colaba Causeway is known for its diverse offerings, ranging from traditional Indian clothing and jewelry to modern fashion and handicrafts.

Where to eat:

  • Colaba Market: Enjoy the diverse culinary scene in Mumbai’s food stalls.

  • Other:

    • Gateway of India: This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

  • Explore the city’s bustling markets:

Sample a variety of street food from vendors on Colaba Causeway, such as samosas, pakoras and chai.

  • Experience the diversity and energy of Mumbai: Visit local shops for a taste of Indian culture.

For a more luxurious experience, try:

  • The Taj Mahal Palace’s afternoon tea service, which offers a selection of traditional teas, pastries, and sandwiches.

Where to eat

  • Colaba Causeway: A vibrant area with many street food options near the end of the day.

  • Explore the city:

Visit the Gateway of India and enjoy the view from the Marine Drive promenade.

  • Experience a Bollywood film: Nothing beats the immersive experience of watching a movie in a Mumbai cinema, especially if it’s a musical extravaganza.

Things to eat:

  • Vada Pav: Enjoy this iconic Mumbai street food at Street Food Stalls.

  • Colaba Market Street Food: Try “Badshah Bhel”:

A mix of traditional Indian and Western snacks.

Other things to see:

  • Street art: Explore the colorful murals and graffiti on the walls of buildings in the area.
  • Bandra: Visit this bustling suburb for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
  • The Gateway of India: A great place to start a Mumbai street food adventure.
  • Juhu Beach: Enjoy the hustle and bustle of this famous beach with its vibrant atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • “Bawa’s”: It’s a popular spot for buying souvenirs.

Enjoy a meal at Leopold Cafe: This iconic cafe offers a variety of delicious dishes. Gateway of India: A must-visit landmark and the gateway to the city’s culture.

Things to know:

  • Traffic can be intense: Allow extra time for travel, especially during peak hours.
  • The Taj Mahal Palace, a popular hotel:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Mumbai with its restaurants, bars, and clubs.

  • Try the “Masala Chai”: A delicious and aromatic tea experience.

Food to try in Bandra:

  • “Chai and Samosa”: Enjoy the variety of street food available in Mumbai, from traditional Indian snacks to more Western options like burgers and fries.
  • “Street Food Adventures”: Explore local street food stalls for a taste of authentic Mumbai cuisine.
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Things to know about the “Experience the City”:

  • Taj Mahal Palace: Known for its diverse and unique offerings, it’s a great place to try them all.

Where to eat:

  • Bandra: A variety of restaurants and cafes await!
  • Try the street food on Linking Road, a popular street in Mumbai with many vendors selling delicious local food.
  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Colaba Market.

Other things:

  • Explore the Gateway of India: Visit this iconic landmark and admire its architectural beauty.

Day 2:

Enjoy the vibrant energy of Mumbai’s Colaba Market, a popular spot for souvenirs, street food, and local life.

  • Enjoy the variety of restaurants in Bandra.
  • Explore the area surrounding the Taj Mahal Palace for a taste of Mumbai’s history.
  • Enjoy the “street food” experience at a food stall near the Bandra:

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Bandra:

Things to do:

  • Visit the bustling markets of Bandra, such as the Linking Road Market.

  • Enjoy the local food scene:

  • Enjoy the vibrant “street food” culture.

Try a variety of dishes, including the famous vada pav from a street vendor.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal: Indulge in the flavorful street food at the stalls, and explore the diverse culinary scene of Mumbai.
  • Enjoy the nightlife:

Try the delicious street food: Experience the vibrant nightlife and enjoy the local culture.

Other things to know:

  • Bawa’s:

A great place to start your “street food” journey in Mumbai is with a traditional snack like “vada pav” or “pav bhaji”.

  • “The Bawa”:

Enjoy the diverse offerings of the “street food” scene.

Where to eat:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and variety of street food options near Marine Drive.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Gateway of India in the evening to enjoy the sunset views.

Explore the city:

  • Enjoy the bustling nightlife of Mumbai.

Other things to know:

  • Variety of restaurants:

Enjoy the diverse flavors and “street food” scene.

Bandra’s vibrant street food culture:

This is a great place to experience the local life and enjoy the delicious variety of food on offer, from traditional Indian snacks to international cuisines.

  • Enjoy the excitement of Mumbai’s nightlife with various options for each.

Enjoy the vibrant local nightlife in the city.

You can find this information in a “Travel Guide” or “Breeze”.

Try the street food:

Enjoy the local food scene, and try the delicious street food.

Where to eat:

  • Mumbai’s street food: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Mumbai’s street food culture.

Enjoy the experience.

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife

  • Explore the “street food” scene: Try different types of “street food” like vada pav, pani puri and dosa from the local vendors.

Enjoy a variety of delicious snacks and dishes:

  • Enjoy the delicious “street food” options at the end of the day.

Things to know about Mumbai:

  • Explore the vibrant street life of Mumbai, but be aware that the city’s traffic can be unpredictable and congested.

  • The “street food” scene is diverse and exciting.

  • Enjoy:

Try various dishes from the local vendors.

The “Breeze” offers a variety of delicious street food options.

Things to do:

  • Explore the local markets:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city.

  • Taste the diverse “street food” offerings in Mumbai, such as vada pav, pani puri, and samosas.

Enjoy:

  • Enjoying the variety of street food available in Mumbai is a great way to experience the local culture.

Other things to do:

  • Visit: Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, like Bandra.
  • Enjoy a delicious “street food” meal at one of the many stalls or restaurants in the city.

Things to enjoy:

Enjoy the nightlife and explore the vibrant street food scene.

Remember:

  • Respect the local culture and customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

Other things to do:

Learn about the history of Mumbai’s colonial past. *

Enjoy the diverse “street food” scene:

Explore the variety of Indian and international cuisine available in the city.

The Gateway of India:

This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s history. *

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife near the local vendors, enjoy the bustling street life and the delicious “street food” options.

**

Enjoy the variety of “street food” available.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the “Street Food” stalls and experience the “Bawa culture”.

Remember:

Always be aware of your surroundings when traveling in a city environment.

  • Be mindful of traffic: It’s important to exercise caution in Mumbai’s bustling streets, especially with the chaotic nature of local transport.

**

Enjoy delicious food from various vendors around the city.

**

Some ideas for “street food”:

  • Try the famous pav bhaji from a street stall or restaurant.
  • Enjoy the variety of dosas and chaat options available in Mumbai.
  • Indulge in the delicious “vada pav” and “pav bhaji” dishes that are popular in the city’s streets.

Remember to be respectful:

You can find delicious “street food” near the Gateway, a great place to try the local cuisine!

Enjoy the vibrant “Bawa culture” and enjoy the variety of street food options available.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the “street food” stalls and the diverse flavors they offer. **

  • Enjoying the local markets:**

Enjoy the delicious “street food”

The Gateway of Mumbai’s nightlife is a great place to experience the city’s culture.

Enjoy the street food:

  • Explore the bustling “street food” scene.
  • Try different types of dishes and flavors.

Enjoy the variety of “street food” options in Mumbai,

such as pav bhaji, pani puri, vada pav, and other local delicacies.

**

  • Be prepared to experience the vibrant nightlife.
  • Enjoy the beautiful view of the Gateway**:

Stay alert when exploring the city’s

  • Enjoy the street food: Try the delicious “street food” options in Mumbai, which are a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the variety of flavors.

Important Considerations:

  • This is just a sample itinerary, and you can adjust it to suit your interests and timeframe.

Consider purchasing a “Mumbai travel guide”

  • Traffic: Remember that traffic in Mumbai can be a challenge.

**

Enjoy the street food, but remember to be mindful of safety tips for traveling:

Avoid eating from street vendors after dark:

The “Bawa culture” is known

for its delicious and affordable street food, but it’s best to enjoy these options during the day when food preparation is safer. *

Consider the variety of restaurants in the local street market.

Enjoy:

  • Mumbai’s Bawa:

Remember: Traffic can be a challenge, so exercise caution.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings of Mumbai’s street markets, but always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings. **

This is a good example of how to tailor your “Bawa” experience to your own comfort level.